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The SDLP MLA said enhancements on the Derry to Belfast rail line need to be expedited urgently. “Translink first submitted a business case for rail improvements in the north-west over a year and a half ago, and, because of the Department's failure to act, it has had to submit an updated version more than a year and a half later. "In the meantime, we just see chaos after chaos, particularly over the weekend, when people visiting Derry for Halloween were left stranded and were unable to get home because of the lack of rail services,” said Mrs. McLaughlin during an exchange with the rail minister Liz Kimmins at Stormont. “How can you possibly justify the continued failure to deliver a vital upgrade to the north-west rail line when your inaction is already leaving passengers stranded?” she asked. Ms. Kimmins replied: “I do not agree with the Member that there has been a failure because, as I have said, we are considering the updated business case. I take this very seriously, and I recognise the importance of regional balance.” When asked for an update on the north-west rail corridor by Mrs. McLaughlin, the Minister said: “Translink submitted a revised business case in September this year for the provision of additional services on the north-west rail corridor to ensure that the predicted costs and revenue projections are up to date and accurate. My officials are considering that updated business case.” She also pointed to recent investments by Translink in rail and bus services in the North West. “I am pleased that Translink has also delivered significant improvements to public transport in the north-west in recent years, including by creating over 46,000 additional seats by converting 232 rail services per week to six-car operations and by making improvements to Goldliner services. Since April 2024, when the A6 works were completed, Translink has introduced seven additional direct X212 services to and from Derry. "The scheduled journey time on the X212 is one hour and 45 minutes, which represents a 15-minute improvement on the standard 212 journey time. Derry is the first city on this island to operate with a full zero emission bus fleet. "There has also been significant capital funding in public transport in the north-west, including a £27 million investment in the north-west transport hub; an investment of £59 million in zero emission buses, which I mentioned; and a £97·7 million investment in phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine project. "As I just mentioned, I have also, in my 2025-26 budget, included ring-fenced funding of £5·79 million to allow Translink to progress phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine track renewal project. "Work is continuing, including on the production of the detailed design of the required track improvements in preparation for the procurement phase of the project. It has also included the manufacture of railway sleepers in advance of the main works,” said the Minister.
